Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal. File | Photo credit: PTI
India and Bhutan will strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, an official statement said on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).
A delegation from the neighboring country met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal in the capital, the statement said.
Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Lyonpo Gem Tshering met Mr. Lal to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, the Energy Ministry said.
“During the discussions, both parties addressed the commercial optimization of the output from the Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW) hydropower project,” it said.
Emphasis was also laid on the early commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I (1200 MW) hydro project, the ministry said.
The discussion also covered the next step for the Sankosh Hydropower Project.
In addition, India and Bhutan discussed transmission infrastructure planning till 2040, for which detailed consultations are underway.
The meeting also addressed the need to streamline power planning approvals, especially during Bhutan’s lean months.
Published – 04 Feb 2026 05:53 IST
